OBITUARIES
Dr. Harry C. Evans 1925-2017
Harry Evans was born in Genesee Depot, Wisconsin on November 4, 1925. He graduated from Waukesha High School, then enlisted in the Army, and served in the 86th Infantry in Germany, under General Patton. After service, he went to the University of Wisconsin to earn his degree in medicine. He did his internship and residency at OHSU - the University of Oregon Medical School, specializing in anesthesiology.
Harry practiced at Emanuel Hospital in Portland for more than 30 years where he headed the anesthesiology department and was known as the "Father of the Epidural".
Harry was Past President of the Oregon Society of Anesthesiologists, and long time board member of the Western Conference of Anesthesia.
He and Pearl Drummond were married in 1950. They had four daughters, Laura, Lynn, Lee and Luanne, six grandchildren and three great- grandchildren.
Harry loved sports; tennis of course, sailing, water and snow skiing and biking. He loved making noodles, baking bread and pasta, eating out of his vegetable garden, playing bridge; traveling and reading.
He and Pearl rented at Deep Canyon for many years, were owners at Ironwood for 20 years, were non-resident PDTC members for three years, before buying Unit 64 at PDTC three years ago.
Heaven bound, April 2, 2017. Cheers to 91 years, and 66 years of marriage.
Pearl and family send this message:
"Thanks to the PDTC family for their beautiful cards, gifts and wonderful hugs. Love is the answer."
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Mary Jo "Jody" Wendorff 1928-2017
Mary Jo "Jody" Wendorff, long-time owner of Unit 78 at PDTC, with her husband, passed away on April 11. She lived in Rolling Hills, CA.
Jody was born in Ohio on June 3, 1928 and eventually settled in Southern California with her husband Dr. Ted Wendorff, and their four children; Teri, Judi, Todd and Dave. Jody loved her children, their spouses, her 15 grandkids and three great- grandchildren more than anything. She had a deep and abiding faith in God which she sought to live out every day.
Jody loved her friends, loved people, and generously volunteered her time to those in need in our community. If you had the privilege of meeting her, she was the life of the party and lit up the room. She was fun, daring, adventurous and elegant all at the same time. Her grandchildren adored her and she never missed an opportunity to attend a special event for anyone in her family. She was up for almost anything and even into her late 80's played golf and bridge several times a week, went to the Red Onion and out to Palm Desert.
Amazingly, she never seemed to age. She stayed young to her very last step on this earth. She went out the way she lived her life, full of joy and with a bold tenacity to live through pain and hardship for another glorious day with her family and friends, and with an absolute assurance that the Lord was waiting for her the moment she took her last breath. This life ended and her eternal life began. She will be greatly missed.
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OUTSIDE THE GATES
COME TO PALM DESERT OR INDIO TO GO SURFING
They haven’t been finalized yet, but there are two proposals to bring surf parks and huge waves to the desert. The first proposal calls for a park near Desert Willow and has been before the City Council for a couple of years. Now a Hawaii based company says it has land in Indio under contract. That facility would include a skate park, BMX track and aquatic tract for stand-up paddle boarding.
WATER DISTRICT ACTS TO RECHARGE PALM DESERT AQUIFER
The Coachella Valley Water district is moving ahead to bring huge new amounts of water from the Colorado River to stop declines in our underground water supply. Water will be moved to a facility near Cook Street and Fred Waring, as part of an effort to reverse the decline in underground supplies. Water levels under Palm Desert have dipped by more than 90 feet since the 1960s. CVWD is also stepping up efforts to encourage area golf courses to use more Colorado River water and less well water. Also, six more area golf courses have received big dollar rebates for converting large areas from turf to desert landscape.
CATHEDRAL CITY MAYOR SEES GOOD THINGS AHEAD
In his State of the City report, Mayor Stan Henry says a five-acre area just south of Highway 111 in downtown Cathedral City will be a mixed use site that would have about 100 condo units and some commercial space. The City also plans to widen the Date Palm Bridge from four to six lanes, to handle increased traffic from downtown development. Also, coming to Cathedral City, an auto technology training center. It is the result of a partnership between College of the Desert and the city’s auto center. Also in the talking stage is a proposal by the Agua Caliente Band of Indians to build a new casino in downtown Cathedral City.
PALM DESERT HOTEL TO GET A TASTE OF PALM SPRINGS DINING
The Hotel Paseo, currently being built on Larkspur, just south of El Paseo, will include a restaurant called AC3. The unusual name comes from the partnership formed by Andrew Copley, owner of Copley’s on Palm Canyon, his wife, Juliana, and Tony Marchese, owner of TRIO restaurant in Palm Springs. Hotel Paseo is scheduled to open this fall. The 150-room, three story hotel will operate under the Marriott brand.
WHAT’S NEW AND DIFFERENT AT THE RIVER
The big Rancho Mirage shopping and entertainment area is continuing a major upgrade. No firm date yet, but sometime this month (May) the Acqua California Bistro is scheduled to re-open. It was called Acqua Pazza in its past life. The new version will be larger, with the addition of 4,000 square feet of space for big parties and special events. Eating space will be added outdoors too. There’s a lot of painting going on at the River, and the north parking lot will be covered with solar panels. More entertainment is planned, with programs set for more than 30 weekends. And if you elect to go the Century Theatres, you’ll be able to reserve ahead, in a new reclining seat.
SURPRISE: THE NEST WINS “TOP 100” AWARD
It is probably the oldest restaurant in Indian Wells. The Nest opened more than 50 years ago, and now it has been named by the Open Table dining service as one of the top 100 “Hot Spot Restaurants” in America. Basis of the recognition: analysis of some 10 million restaurant reviews of more than 24,000 restaurants. The “Hot Spot” recognition is not only for food and drink quality but also for “vibrant bar scenes, live music and festive atmosphere.”
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COPLEY'S ON PALM CANYON, 621 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. (760) 327-9555
If you are looking for a fine dining experience in a unique desert setting, you may want to try Copley's in Palm Springs. Located on North Palm Canyon Drive in part of Cary Grant's former estate, Copley's offers unique American cuisine with tropical and European flavors served in a lovely outdoor patio setting. (In case of inclement weather there is an indoor seating area.)
We've eaten there several times and never been disappointed, and if you take a trip to dine there, be sure to try a dessert!
Review by Sarah Krzesowiak and Scott Bracke
EVZIN MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE, 72695 Highway 111, Ste A6, Palm Desert, (760) 340-2020
Jan and I just discovered this new restaurant after it was recommended by Judy Siegel. Had an outstanding lunch starting with Gazpacho soup and four types of hummus (complimentary), followed by a beautiful chicken Shawarma plate that was outstanding.
I highly recommend Evzin for an excellent meal in a very nice, quiet setting. Not only was the owner incredibly friendly and personable, but it's a cute, small little joint as well. They were incredibly friendly and accommodating.
The food is hands down some of the best I have had around here. It is all made in-house and is incredibly unique. The prices are very low. Open from 11 am to 9 pm. Just down the hill on Highway 74, right around the corner from Smart & Final (the old Von's).
Review by Bob Lilac
BILL'S PIZZA, 119 S. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 325-5571
Pizza Lovers Take Note! Finally -- a great pizza establishment that is NOT a chain.
Marta and I take all of our pizza loving guests there when they visit and they have nothing but rave reviews. Trip Advisor ranked the original Bill's Pizza one of the top ten pizza restaurants in America.
Our family loves the Charlie Sheen pizza. There are so many interesting pizzas. They also serve salads and are licensed for beer and wine.
Bill's Pizza recently opened their second valley location in Palm Desert, at 73196 Highway 111, next to the car wash across the street from Louise's Pantry.
They only accept cash or debit cards.
Review by Terry Basham
BLUE ORCHID THAI, 73030 El Paseo #102, Palm Desert, (760)776-6610, http://blueorchidpd.com/
Curry Tasting the many curried dishes at Blue Orchid Thai Fury.
At 11:30 in the morning, the lime-green walls are cool, quiet, and inviting. I’ve become a regular, but the staff acknowledges every guest within the first few seconds of stepping through the door, even during peak times. The dining room itself is open, and stretches down a hallway that can be slightly awkward when the restaurant is busy, but always immaculate. During the lunch hours, the restaurant is efficient and wait times are typically low. Order accuracy has been consistently above average.
The lunch menu at Blue Orchid Thai is a vacation all by itself, and most recently I’ve been making a pilgrimage through the different curried dishes available, noting the subtle, earthy differences between green and red curry, or how the addition of potato to the yellow curry makes a distinctively creamier base.
The variations can be more appropriate to fit the seasons, where a yellow curry with beef or pork may be too heavy in the summer - a fresh basil green curry with tofu may be just the ticket.
The meal is preceded by a soup or salad. The salad is cool and refreshing with a light peanut sauce as a dressing. The soup choice was a clear broth with large mushrooms and substantial slices of chicken.
Today, however, I’m eating the Panang Curry with Chicken.
It is important to note that each 'protein' has its own characteristics that make each curry dish unique. Panang Curry, as described by the Thai-food enthusiast website Thaifoodmaster.com, is composed of dried chili peppers, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime zest, coriander root, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, garlic, shallot, shrimp paste, salt and peanuts (2016). While it is a savory sauce, the coriander and citrus notes from the lemongrass and lime give it a refreshing quality. The restaurant can make any dish spicier upon request, though I’ve never needed to challenge them. The portion size is substantial but not overwhelming and no condiments are necessary for this meal. Each bite is exotic and rich.
With a full afternoon ahead of me, I opt for my personal favorite to finish the meal. A dark-as-night, layered concoction created from full-strength coffee, cream and sugar called a Thai Iced Coffee. It is reminiscent of Turkish-style coffee. They also have Thai Iced Teas, a delicious rival to the Chai Latte. Of course, the restaurant does feature a full bar so it would be easy to chase some drunken chef noodles with some libations of your own.
Review by Brian Yaple
STATE FARE BAR AND GRILL AT THE RITZ CARLTON, 68900 Frank Sinatra Drive, Rancho Mirage 760-321-8282 http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/rancho-mirage/dining
This hotel is enough off the beaten path that’s it’s possible you may not even know it has such a wonderful restaurant. It’s at the top of the hill going south on Frank Sinatra, after you cross Highway 111. They have valet parking, but do validate. You will probably want to use it, since we have no idea where the customer parking is!
The view of the valley from the adjoining terrace is spectacular, and a casual stroll around the grounds is an added bonus. It’s a favorite spot for weddings and such.
We limit our visits here to lunch, since dinner can be pricy, and cocktails even more so. Lunchtime is, however, in about the same ballpark as any nice restaurant in the valley. Himself is fond of the State Fair Prime Burger, but he likes his burgers very plain. The onion-bacon jam that comes with it is just too delicious to pass up, so I asked that it be brought to us on the side….it is so good I could just order a bowl full and be a happy camper! I usually order the First Lady Cobb Salad, again, delicious. However, one day I told them they had forgotten the blue cheese, and they said it was named for Nancy Reagan, who didn’t like blue cheese, so if you want it you have to ask for it. Another time I asked for guacamole and they said they didn’t have any, but did have avocado. On request, they combined the avocado with their homemade aioli, providing a really yummy dip for the French fries.
With soup, pizza, salads, sandwiches and a large selection of entrees, plus an extensive selection of wines and other beverages, there is something here for everyone. Staff is attentive but not constantly in your face, which we appreciate.
A couple of notes, it’s quiet here, without the usual noisy music bombarding you to hurry up and eat. If you request tables 23, 33 or 53 it’s especially quiet.
Breakfast: 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. A la carte off the menu
Lunch: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Sunday
Dinner: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday
5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Review by Jeri Todd
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WELCOME TO MISTY AND JOEL ISEMAN
by Jake McDougal
Regular players on our courts don't need a formal introduction to Joel and Misty, two of our newest owners at Palm Desert Tennis Club. Excellent doubles players, they compete at the club's highest levels.
Both Joel and Misty are Washington State natives, having grown up in Mukilteo and Newcastle respectively. Together they share four children, ranging in age from 21 to 25 years. Joel is a U. of Washington grad (and an avid Husky fan) with a degree in economics, and is a retired high tech executive. Misty is general manager of a large industrial lighting firm in the Seattle area.
Joel is a long time tennis player, with a 4.0 rating. Misty, who has only been playing for a few years, has strong athletic abilities and a game that is remarkable, considering the short time that she has played.
Other interests for the Isemans are skiing and hiking in Whistler, where they own a home, kite boarding and golf.
The decision to buy at PDTC involved a comparison with other clubs in the valley and the benefits at PDTC won out. |
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WRITERS WANTED FOR THE RACQUETEER
You probably have noticed that many of our members are now writing for this newsletter. More are needed. If you'd like to volunteer to help...if you have a story idea, or would be willing to take on an "assignment" to write about a club event now and then, please contact me. Recent articles by members have injected new life into the newsletter, and we want to continue to benefit from your participation.
Howard Back, Ye Olde Editor
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Memorial Day - Monday, May 29th - Office Closed
Pro Shop Closes - Wednesday, May 31st
Office On Summer Hours: Thur, June 1st Monday - Saturday 8:00am - Noon
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I was born in Seattle and was raised in Kirkland, Washington . Graduated from Central Washington University with a degree in Home Economics and Education. I met my husband, Mark, at Central. We've been married for 47 years. We have one son and two grandchildren.
